Many of us are curious to understand how to take care of the scalp, how to maintain hair growth when it happens, and many other general queries. Hence, let’s follow the post-operative care, which states every possible query you may have.
Post-Operative Care & Alignment
1. Post procedure After the client reaches home, if at all the client wants to remove the surgical cap, then ask the client to tear it from the back and remove it. (Give 3-4 caps with the post-procedure kit.)
2. Keep spraying the normal saline every 30 minutes till the normal saline bottle is empty ( 3-4 sprays ) to avoid the implanted grafts getting dehydrated.
3. Ask the client not to put his or her head down and use mobile phones or read books, instead, ask to keep the head in the upright position to watch TV, see mobiles, read books, or read newspapers for 2 days to avoid possible swelling.
4. The client should avoid spicy food, a lot of rice intake, sweets, pickles, alcohol, and smoking for the next 7 days.
5. Consume the medications provided on time, before and after food, as per prescription.
6. Riding a bike is to be avoided for the next 3 days, The helmet can be used post-head wash with a clean cotton handkerchief or cloth.
7. Medications for BP, sugar, Nero, etc. can be resumed on the same day. Blood thinners are to be continued for 2 days at least.
8. Avoid going to the gym for the next 7 days
9. Avoid lifting heavy weights like a bucket full of water, etc for the next 7 days as it will affect the healing process
10. Sports activities, jogging, and swimming are to be resumed after a week’s time.
11. Head washing is to be done daily using the palm and baby shampoo after the first head is in the clinic. Avoid standing under the shower for a week.
12. A shaving brush can also be used to do a head wash for the next 7 days to avoid putting pressure on the implanted grafts.
13. After washing, dry your hair with a paper towel. Do not rub – just pat it very gently. The moisturizer can be used until the scabs fall off or until the scalp feels dry. It is also possible to use the moisturizer in between the hair washes if the sensation of dryness is persistent on the implanted and donor zones.
14. Hair colour can be used after 3-4 months’ time
15. Hair oil can be used after 21 days.
16. Using styling products like hair sprays, gels, and creams should be avoided till the 4th month.
17. Application of minoxidil can be resumed from the 21st day
18. The first session of PRP, Laser, and Mesotherapy can be performed after a month from the procedure day
19. Do not apply ice or an ice pack on the implanted areas if swelling happens post procedure
20. Avoid direct sun exposure for long hours for the next 7 days.
21. Prevent any chances of infections and graft dislodging.
22. Wear open-chest shirts for the next 3-4 days to avoid friction on the implanted grafts on the hair-line if trying to wear a round neck T-shirt
23. The client can wear a cap from the 4th day onwards, but remove the cap from the back once at home.
24. Sexual activities should be stopped for the next week due to a rise in blood pressure on the skull and scalp.
PAIN AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT
Mild pain can be present for a couple of days after the hair transplant procedure. Some people report difficulty sleeping the first few days post-op. It is common to have more pain in the donor area than the recipient area after the procedure Post-op hair transplant pain can be relieved by consuming Flexon MR twice a day. The client will get a strip of medication from the clinic.
SWELLING
When it comes to hair transplantation that is performed using Needles, Sapphire pins, or Choi Implanter Pens, swelling is quite rare. It occurs more often for larger hair transplant operations and transplants where a lot of work was done to the hairline. Swelling can affect the forehead and the area around the eyes and may last two to five days, being maximal on the fourth day. A drug called Dexamethasone or Okacet 20mg (Prednisolone) is given to reduce these symptoms.
ITCHING FOLLOWING HAIR RESTORATION
Itching is a very common feeling after a hair transplant. It may occur all over the scalp 7-14 days after the procedure. In most cases, the itchiness indicates that the tissue is recovering. In cases where it becomes very strong, an antihistamine pill can be used.
CORRECT SLEEPING POSITION
Avoid touching the recipient area during the first week after the procedure. The client should sleep on their sides for the next 2 days to avoid possible bleeding from the donor site on a raised pillow.
HEALING AND RECOVERY TIMES
After the procedure that is performed using Needles, Sapphire pins, and Choi Implanter pens, the healing is rapid. Most clients will feel fine within a day or two following the procedure, although some numbness and mild soreness in the scalp can be expected for several days following the procedure. There will be punctate red scabs at the bottom of the transplanted hair shafts on the recipient site and donor site, which will be visible for about 7-10 days. Usually, the client regains his/her normal appearance within 10-15 days post-op after the clots are shed off during a regular head wash. Mild pain will persist on touch in the donor site, which will subside after 20 to 25 days’ time. There will be no pain in the recipient zone after 3-4 days.
GROWTH ASPECTS
Implanted grafts move to the Telogen phase 21 days post-procedure and the hair starts shedding from the dermal papilla. The active anagen phase arrives after the kenogen phase in the 3rd month, and hair growth is visible in the implanted areas. In the 6th and 7th months, the active anagen phase in most of the implanted grafts is completed, and good hair growth is visible. The entire cycle is completed in 9 to 12 months’ time.
